Colchester a wicket short of going second (From Gazette)

Colchester a wicket short of going second

10:31am Wednesday 24th June 2009

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A single wicket prevented Colchester and East Essex from claiming a place in the top two of the premier division.

Another excellent team performance took them to within touching distance of victory against Ardleigh Green at Castle Park.

Colchester were left 14 overs to take the final wicket, but rain cruelly cut short their quest.

However, skipper Andrew Kennedy was pleased with what was another dominant showing.

Colchester posted 274 for seven from 62 overs.

Openers Omar Ahmed and Gareth Fisher struck a century stand, dispelling any fears of a poor start in the absence of Julian Russell.

Ahmed hit nine fours in his 115-ball innings of 58.

He was out before Fisher (22) who took a measured approach to give Colchester the perfect start.

Australian Nathan O’Brien (55) kept the momentum going, as he and Joe Austin put on 68 for the third wicket.

Although Kennedy and Joe Barnett were out cheaply, Austin stepped up a gear, as Alex Young came in and produced a knock containing some mighty blows.

His 41 came off just 28 balls, including five fours and a six.

Austin finished on 61 not out from 56 balls to put Colchester in a commanding position.

Ardleigh Green’s reply got off to a steady start, with 45 runs added before the first wicket was taken by Ben Stephens.

Further wickets were taken by Young and Fisher, and when Kennedy and Gibbs were introduced, the game swung even further in Colchester’s favour.

Gibbs, who took four wickets last weekend, took four for 25 from 12 overs, while Kennedy helped himself to two wickets.

But with Green 182 for 9, the rain came down as Colchester desperately sought the winning wicket.

Kennedy told the Gazette: “We should have won the game before the rain came down, as we had ten overs to take the final wicket.

“It was another great all-round team performance and would have resulted in us moving up to second.

“Hopefully this form will continue into July and we can start putting some pressure on the leaders.”

Colchester’s second team were soundly beaten at Ardleigh Green.

The home side batted first and made 262 for seven.

Neil Lenihan was the pick of Colchester’s bowlers, taking four for 81.

Colchester were then bowled out for just 81. David Beales’ 21 was the top score.

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